David Sillito, BBC media and arts correspondent wrote:When Jeremy Clarkson relaunched Top Gear in 2002 it ceased to be a programme about cars; it became a programme about slightly tragic men who loved cars.The essence was banter, lists and brilliant film-making. The problem is what happens when you lose the blokes.Chris Evans is one of Britain's most successful broadcasters. He loves cars, he understands how to make television and he's a friend of Jeremy Clarkson. But he ain't Jeremy Clarkson.Around the World Top Gear has appeared in different forms. The ones that work best have Jeremy Clarkson - even if he has to be dubbed into Farsi.

Mark Savage - BBC News entertainment reporter wrote:There's a very telling line in Chris Evans' statement: "I promise I will do everything I possibly can to respect what has gone on before and take the show forward."The 49-year-old is acutely aware of Top Gear's reputation - and the reaction his appointment will provoke.On paper, he's a perfect replacement for his good friend Jeremy Clarkson. A car nut with a motor mouth and a track record in steering a television juggernaut to success.But he's also a divisive figure, with many viewers put off by the unruly, egotistical behaviour of his tabloid years.Evans even admitted there was a "50/50 split" among Top Gear fans over whether his involvement was a good idea.However, he added: "In TV or radio, if you get a 50/50 love/hate reaction that usually equals massive hit."Only time will tell.

Replicant wrote:I will reserve judgement until I see the first programme or two. Too many opinions and trash talk going on in the MEjaah to bother wasting my time on.

On a separate note I have been reading that Ewan McGregor is to do a 3rd Long Way.... called Long Way South which goes from Baja Mexico to Tierra del Fuego.

Apparently it will be sans Charlie and BMW, preferring to use a Moto Guzzi (he is a known fan of theirs).

Fingers crossed it turns out well, I thought Long Way Round was great and enjoyed Long Way Down as well. It's incredible the effect it had on BMW sales, that person from KTM that decided not to lend them the bikes must be still kicking themselves.

I liked Long Way Round but LWD had definitely had the corporate glitz thrown on it and was not as good as the first.

I also own a DVD called Mondo Enduro which was filmed in the 90's and was completely unsupported. Far more realistic and shows how 'normal' people do it. Well worth a watch to see how much easier Ewan and co had it.

I really enjoyed last night's last episode with the old crew. Had myself in fits of giggles and tears coming out of my eyes. I don't know why I was laughing so much! Was making my gf laugh with the amount I was laughing!

I've said it before, but to keep the legacy, I think this is probably the best thing that could have happened to the show before it got old and tired. That being said, I was aloling throughout. It was certainly worth getting those two films broadcast.